The multilevel decks needed replacing, but on the other side of the house was an inspiring curved, streamlined fence:

streamlined, curved fence

We built new decks using Machiche, a more sustainably harvested wood similar to Ipe. We changed the level of the decks to make them more accessible from the living space, eliminated some deck to make room for more garden, and tied the Washington Street side together with a simple clear cedar screen

Here are Some concept sketches:

We await final carpentry details and the work of Erin and her gardener, but the machiche decks and cedar screen (fabricated by Ron Tostenson and his crew) are looking great!

I got a few more photos from the contractor – after he applied the sealer. He is an artist.

I was very happy to see this recent project full of people enjoying the newly connected living spaces and yard. The owners also built several nice cabinets and shelving themselves. These are just phone snapshots of the space…..and yes it does look like they might need a new couch at some point. Turned out great! (Thanks Berkeley Craftsman)

This small addition is a spa-like bathroom designed to be more accommodating to a person growing older. My client also wanted space for plants in the room, including her large ficus plant that was outgrowing her house. They are getting close to finishing the project, but I took some photos of the almost finished interior. Most of the interior design elements were chosen by the client…but deedsdesign guided the project in subtle ways.

On my way to buy a delicious vegan donut at Fellini Coffee Bar this morning I stopped to take a picture of this redwood and cor-ten steel fence and struck up a conversation with this lively 80-something year old woman. She asked whether I liked the fence, and was very interested in cor-ten steel when I explained its properties to her. She was curious why I was interested in this fence and whether I was an artist. When I told her I was an architect she was very excited and told me that architecture is her favorite thing. She grew up in the heart of Chicago in the 30s and 40s and developed a love for buildings. Chicago is rich in architecture and its people seem to take great pride in their built environment. She now lives in the Strawberry Creek Lodge in Berkeley and is looking forward to the renovations and seismic retrofit that is scheduled for the building. It was nice to meet someone who appreciates architecture as much as I do.